Independent scholar Jim Glanville will share his research on coal mining in Montgomery County, which goes back as far as the late 1700’s, when coal was mined on a much smaller scale for blacksmith operations. Coal production in the county increased following the creation of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, eventually leading to the development of mining communities including Coal Bank Hollow, Merrimac, McCoy and Wake Forest.

This is also a great opportunity to view our exhibit “A Way of Life: History of Coal Mining in Blacksburg” which will be on display until May 5, 2018.